Chapter 1792 : A Glimpse Beyond the Immortal Domains
"A shattered and broken Immortal Domain [a realm of higher existence where immortals dwell]?"
Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a tremor of awe flickering in his gaze.
In that moment, his yearning for the vast, boundless Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state of existence before the cosmos was ordered] beyond the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the known realms of cultivation] grew even stronger.
According to Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor, while the world beyond the Three Thousand Immortal Domains was perilous, the treasures found there far surpassed anything within their borders.
For within that Boundless Chaos Sea [the infinite, turbulent expanse of primordial chaos], Chaos Lairs [dangerous, resource-rich pockets within the chaos sea] were virtually innumerable. Furthermore, only beings at the level of Ancient Immortals [powerful, long-lived immortals] could barely withstand the environment to explore, meaning it was saturated with treasures of incalculable value.
In comparison, the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, this stretch of Primordial Chaos that had been scoured for countless eons, seemed pitifully lacking in opportunities.
"It seems that in the future, once I possess sufficient strength, I must venture into the Sea of Chaos [another term for the primordial chaos sea] beyond the Three Thousand Immortal Domains,"
Eldrin Chen thought to himself, his eyes gleaming with a fierce, determined light.
Seeing this, the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor beside him understood his thoughts and shook his head. "Within the Sea of Chaos, its suppressive and corrosive power against Immortals [beings who have achieved immortality] far exceeds that within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains."
"Even a Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [a pinnacle stage for celestial immortals] expert, venturing in and subjected to the Sea of Chaos's erosion, would not be able to travel far before being utterly annihilated." Access the full story on audio‑novel.com.
"In truth, even Ancient Immortals who have transcended fewer than three tribulations rarely dare to set foot within it."
Speaking of this, he informed Eldrin Chen that even a Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal would find themselves suffocated by the pressure of the Sea of Chaos, able to wield only thirty to forty percent of their true strength.
Only powerful Ancient Immortals who have broken through the Fourth Heavenly Pass and beyond can exert over half their power, barely daring to travel and adventure within its depths.
Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but nod in agreement.
After a moment of contemplation, he inquired further, "Now that news of this shattered Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortal laws] has leaked, what should our next course of action be?"
Upon hearing this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor pondered briefly, his gaze shifting towards the Celestial Maiden.
Seeing the Celestial Maiden nod, her expression grave, she spoke, "By my estimation, the strength of the Frigid Immortal Domain alone may prove insufficient to conquer this shattered Immortal Domain."
"Without a doubt, the Heaven Immortals [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] from the surrounding Immortal Domains will be alerted. Only by combining the forces of several Immortal Domains will we have a firm chance of seizing it."
Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback before asking, "With the power of the Frigid Immortal Domain, boasting over a hundred Ancient Immortal Great Powers, you still cannot take a single shattered Immortal Domain?"
"There is something you do not understand."
Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor shook his head. After pouring a cup of tea for Eldrin Chen, he said, "Within the Frigid Immortal Domain, there are indeed over a hundred Ancient Immortal Great Power. However, for beings of their stature, the most crucial matter is whether they can achieve the Great Luo Realm."
"From what I know, of these hundred or so Ancient Immortal Great Power in the Frigid Immortal Domain, more than seven out of ten are constantly traveling within this expanse of Primordial Chaos among the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. The very few Ancient Immortals who have transcended four tribulations or more have ventured into the Depths of Chaos."
"The Ancient Immortals who remain in the Frigid Immortal Domain generally number no more than thirty. Most of these thirty are in seclusion, so the number who can truly take action this time likely won't exceed a dozen or so."
At this point, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor's expression turned grave as he continued, "Relying on just a dozen or so Ancient Immortals will probably be insufficient to seize that shattered Immortal Domain. We will need the aid of numerous Heaven Immortal and even Ancient Immortals from other Immortal Domain."
Hearing this, Eldrin Chen gained a clearer understanding of the power dynamics within the Frigid Immortal Domain.
Indeed, this was the reality. If Eldrin Chen were to one day break through to the Ancient Immortals realm, he certainly wouldn't remain permanently within the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain either.
The resources of a single Immortal Domain are rarely enough to allow an Ancient Immortal Great Power to advance their cultivation further.
Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen fell silent for a moment before asking, "In your esteemed opinion, Senior, what should we do?"
"Wait—"
Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor spoke, his gaze distant and profound. "It will take considerable time for the news to spread to the surrounding Immortal Domain, for the great powers from those domains to gather, and even to wait for some Ancient Immortals Ancient Ancestor to emerge from seclusion."
"Barring unforeseen circumstances, the final assault on the shattered Immortal Domain [a realm of higher existence and cultivation] should take place in approximately two hundred thousand years."
"Before that time, we should focus on deep cultivation, striving to enhance our personal strength and Deep-Seated Foundation [the fundamental spiritual and physical basis of a cultivator's power], preparing ourselves for the assault on the shattered Immortal Domain."
Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly. Two hundred thousand years was ample time for him to attempt a breakthrough to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm [the middle stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm].
Once he broke through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm, Eldrin Chen's power would undoubtedly see significant growth. His Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique [a legendary, supremely resilient body constitution] would also advance further, elevating his overall combat prowess to a new tier entirely.
By that time, if Eldrin Chen were to participate in the assault on the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a collective name for the myriad higher realms], his confidence in ensuring his own survival would be considerably greater.
Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Since there are still two hundred thousand years, I should return for a time. I will see if I can achieve a breakthrough to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm within this period." Original English translation available at http://www . audio-novel.com.
"Very well."
Master of the Horizon Sea Pavilion [the leader of the Horizon Sea Pavilion sect] nodded. He retrieved a jade vial from his sleeve and handed it to Eldrin Chen, saying, "This is called the Minor Frigid Immortal Pill [a pill that aids Water and Ice-attributed cultivators in breaking through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm]. It assists Water and Ice Attribute [an elemental affinity aligned with ice and cold] cultivators in breaking through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm. It is a specialty Cloud-Patterned Immortal Pill [a high-grade immortal pill marked with cloud-like patterns] from the Frigid Immortal Domain [an immortal realm known for its icy environment]."
"Take this vial. Consider it a gift from me."
Eldrin Chen took the precious vial and examined it. To his astonishment, he found it contained ten Cloud-Patterned Immortal Pill. A slight tremor passed through him.
The Minor Frigid Immortal Pill [a potent pill that aids in tempering one's immortal foundation against extreme cold], as a specialty product of the Frigid Immortal Domain [a realm of eternal frost and profound cold], is a natural creation of the Frigid Immortal Domain's heavens and earth. It is a Ninth Rank High Grade Taiyi Immortal Pill [a top-tier immortal pill of the ninth rank, possessing immense power]. Although it is not an Innate Object [a treasure born from the primordial chaos of creation], its value is nonetheless extraordinary.
Outside the Frigid Immortal Domain, many who seek to purchase a single Frigid Immortal Pill offer prices that are exceedingly extravagant.
For the Master of the Horizon Sea Pavilion [the supreme leader of the Horizon Sea Pavilion sect] to bestow ten pills at once—their combined worth likely approaches that of a single High-Grade Innate Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the world's primordial essence].
Considering this, Eldrin Chen hurriedly declined, "This gift is far too precious. I truly cannot accept it."
"There is no need for such modesty,"
replied the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor [the venerable founding ancestor of the Horizon Sea Pavilion] with a gentle smile, firmly pushing the precious vial back towards Eldrin Chen. "You once mentioned that the Chen Clan has over ten Heaven Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] within its ranks. They must be in urgent need of these Cloud-Patterned Immortal Pill [pills marked with cloud-like patterns, signifying their high grade]. Even if you refuse for your own sake, you should consider their needs."
"Furthermore," he continued, "these Frigid Immortal Pill were sent as a token of gratitude from the Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm of violet light and spiritual abundance]. They wish to repay the debt for saving their lives—a deed in which you shared. Thus, a portion rightfully belongs to you."
Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback.
Zixiao the Daoist [a powerful cultivator from the Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven] had once been ensnared by the schemes of the Golden-Winged Roc [a mighty avian demon with wings of gold]. It was the Master of the Horizon Sea Pavilion who intervened at the critical moment to save him. Additionally, Eldrin Chen's own actions in intercepting Aurelius the Golden-Winged [the patriarch of the Golden-Winged Roc lineage] had also contributed to that lifesaving grace.
Later, after Zixiao the Daoist had escaped his predicament, he specifically arranged for this generous gift to be delivered in order to repay the profound debt owed for his rescue.
Now, this entire weighty gift has been handed over by the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor to myself.
After understanding the cause and effect, Eldrin Chen stored away the Frigid Immortal Pill [a legendary pill that can preserve life and restore vitality even in the direst circumstances] and spoke with profound gratitude, "This kindness from you, Senior, Eldrin, the Abyss shall forever remember in my heart. Upon my return from this journey, I will surely repay it."
Upon hearing this, the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor gave a faint smile and waved his hand dismissively. "Then I shall await that day."
Speaking of this, the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor remained utterly calm. He did not take Eldrin Chen's promise of repayment to heart. At his current level of cultivation, ordinary treasures held little use for him anymore.
Even if Eldrin Chen were to break through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm [the middle stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm], he did not believe Eldrin Chen could produce any treasure that would stir his interest.
Seeing this, Eldrin Chen conversed with the two for a while longer. With a final smile and a respectful cupped-fist salute to the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and the Celestial Maiden, he took his leave and departed from within the Frigid Immortal Domain.
Once outside the Frigid Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen used Chaos Primordial Energy [the primordial, formless energy from which all creation is said to have emerged] to conceal his aura. He flew through the Depths of Chaos for several more days, ensuring he had completely left the vicinity of the Frigid Immortal Domain. After confirming he was not being followed, he finally activated the Abyssal Pearl.
"*Hummm—*"
In that instant, the Great Dao of Space [the supreme principle governing space and dimensions] pierced through the boundless Primordial Chaos. It traversed unknown layers of Void [a state of absolute emptiness and potential] and dimensions, arriving at the Five Elements Microcosm [a miniature world governed by the five fundamental elements], which lay in the distant reaches beyond the Primordial Chaos.
Finally, utilizing the Abyss of the Abyssal End [a profound spatial anomaly within the microcosm] within the Five Elements Microcosm, he returned to the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain.
Bearing Heavy Treasures [exceptionally powerful enchanted artifacts], Eldrin Chen proceeded with utmost caution. He refrained from employing the Abyssal Pearl [a profound spatial treasure] within either the Frigid Immortal Domain or the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain. He reasoned that even if a Great Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm cultivator] attempted to divine his actions, they would likely fail to perceive the presence of this Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born of primordial chaos], the Abyssal Pearl.
"Husband, you have returned!"
Upon Eldrin Chen's return to the Abyssal Grotto-Heaven [his personal pocket dimension], Lyra Jiang was the first to notice his arrival.
Having journeyed together for over two million years, this was their first separation of such length. Their reunion could not conceal the profound emotion stirring within their hearts.
After a tender reunion, Lyra Jiang nestled in his embrace, inquiring softly about his experiences during these long years.
Learning of his journey's perils, a wave of concern washed over Lyra Jiang. She could not help but grasp his hand, saying, "The Ruined Immortal Domain [a shattered and perilous realm] is far too dangerous. Perhaps you should not go this time."
Eldrin Chen shook his head with a sigh. "My foundation is excessively profound," he explained. "The resources and Innate Qi [primordial spiritual energy] I require for advancement start at five times that of an ordinary cultivator."
"To cultivate to the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle of the Celestial Immortal stage], even excluding the consumption for my Lifebound Immortal Treasure [a treasure fused with one's life essence], would require over one hundred strands of Innate Qi."
"To avoid my cultivation stagnating in the future, striving for these resources is an inevitable necessity."
Lyra Jiang released a soft sigh. She understood the truth in Eldrin Chen's words.
Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, the Chaos Qi [the primordial energy of creation] is sparse, and Chaos Immortal Pool [pools of concentrated primordial energy] are even rarer. If we miss this opportunity, venturing into the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial void beyond the ordered worlds] in the future, it might take a million years to find even three or five strands of Innate Qi [the pure, foundational energy of creation].
For an ordinary Heaven Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm] in the middle or late stages, finding three to five strands of Innate Qi over a million years is already considered a significant haul. Accumulating over a few million years would be enough to gather the Innate Qi needed for their next breakthrough.
Generally speaking, the vast majority of mid-to-late stage Heaven Immortal cannot roam the Primordial Chaos for extended periods. Each time they explore, they dare not venture into the more perilous regions of the Primordial Chaos, so their harvests are even more meager.
Therefore, most cultivators at the Late Heaven Immortal Realm [the advanced stage of the Heaven Immortal realm] require several million years to find a single strand of Innate Qi. Even if they are fortunate enough to encounter a Superior Grade Chaos Nest [a high-grade concentration of primordial energy and resources], they lack the strength to claim it.
In comparison, Eldrin Chen can traverse the Primordial Chaos for long durations without being suppressed by its energies. His rate of acquiring Innate Qi is several times, even tenfold, that of an ordinary Late Heaven Immortal Realm cultivator.
However, Eldrin Chen's foundational cultivation is exceptionally profound, and the amount of Innate Qi he consumes for advancement is also several times greater than that of an ordinary Heaven Immortal.
Given these circumstances, if we let this opportunity slip, finding another one in the future would be exceedingly difficult.
Understanding this, Lyra Jiang took his hand and asked, "What if I accompany you on this journey?"
Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before replying, "That shattered Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortals] harbors a Chaos Beast King [a monarch-level beast born of primordial chaos]. With your current cultivation, venturing there would be far too perilous. My plan is to take advantage of the chaos, using the Chaos Miasma [a dense, obscuring fog of primordial energy] as cover to infiltrate the area."
"When that time comes," he continued, his voice grave, "I fear I would be unable to ensure your safety."
Lyra Jiang furrowed her brow slightly, yet her eyes held unwavering resolve as she declared, "My breakthrough is not far off. Once I succeed in advancing, I should be able to lend you a hand."
Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell into contemplative silence.
Although Lyra Jiang's current cultivation was still at the Third Heaven Celestial Immortal level, her true combat prowess surpassed even that of a Sixth Heaven Celestial Immortal. Once she broke through to the Celestial Immortal Fourth Layer realm, her battle strength would undoubtedly reach the level of a Seventh Heaven Immortal.
Furthermore, her Great Five Elements Rule Power was exceptionally potent and was less suppressed by the Chaos Qi [the primordial, undifferentiated energy from which all things originate], allowing her to unleash roughly eighty percent of her full power.
Eighty percent of the strength of a Late Heaven Immortal Realm cultivator should indeed provide significant assistance.
Considering this, Eldrin Chen finally spoke, "If that is the case, then focus on your breakthrough with all haste. When the time comes, I will assist in elevating your Eight Trigrams Treasure Tree [a mystical tree whose growth and power are aligned with the Eight Trigrams, a fundamental concept in Daoist cosmology]."
"By then, with the aid of the High Grade Innate Slaughter Formation [a powerful, naturally-occurring formation imbued with lethal intent], you may truly be of great help to me."
Hearing his words, Lyra Jiang's face blossomed into a smile. "Rest assured," she said, "I will achieve my breakthrough within two hundred thousand years."
Not long after, Lila, Verdant Consort, Yvonne the Violet Consort, Nyssa Qu, and the others all returned. Upon learning that Eldrin Chen intended to venture into the Ruined Immortal Domain [a shattered and perilous realm that was once part of the immortal world] alongside Lyra Jiang, the women all expressed their desire to accompany them.
Yet, Eldrin Chen declined their request. While the women possessed extraordinary talent and, upon reaching the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm, could each wield power equivalent to half a Seventh Heaven Immortal, they had not yet attained the Late Heaven Immortal Realm.
Faced with a battlefield of this caliber, cultivation below the Late Heaven Immortal Realm [the third major stage of the Immortal Realm] ultimately falls far short. A single misstep could lead to a meaningless death.
Eldrin Chen naturally had no wish for them to throw their lives away. He could only promise that upon his return from this venture, he would take them with him to journey through the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state of existence before the cosmos was ordered].
Returning to the main subject, after placing nine Frigid Immortal Pill [a rare immortal-grade elixir from the Frigid Immortal Domain] into the Clan Treasury, Eldrin Chen took one Frigid Immortal Pill to the Abyssal Minor Universe [a pocket dimension within the greater cosmos] and slowly consumed this peerless Cloud-Patterned Immortal Pill [a general term for high-grade immortal elixirs marked with cloud-like patterns].
As a specialty of the Frigid Immortal Domain, this Frigid Immortal Pill has miraculous effects for cultivators with a Ice Spiritual Root [an innate affinity for the element of ice]. It can serve as a catalyst for breaking through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm [the second major stage of the Immortal Realm] and also possesses the wondrous ability to enhance the cultivation base of those in the Late Heaven Immortal Realm.
Setting aside the fact that Eldrin Chen possessed a Five Elements Spiritual Root [a rare innate affinity for all five fundamental elements], the profound nature of his Primordial Chaos Limitless Rule [a supreme cultivation art that governs the boundless principles of Primordial Chaos] alone allowed him to refine and absorb nearly any Cloud-Patterned Immortal Pill elixir under heaven. Naturally, he could refine this Frigid Immortal Pill as well.
"Such potent energy."
The moment Eldrin Chen consumed the Frigid Immortal Pill, he felt an immeasurably vast surge of energy flood into his body, only to erupt with a silent, internal roar moments later.
Guiding the flow of the medicinal potency, he used its momentum to shatter an intangible bottleneck.
In that instant, Eldrin Chen's comprehension of Dao Principles [the fundamental laws and truths of existence] and the quality of his Dao Fruit [the metaphysical "fruit" representing a cultivator's attained enlightenment and power] underwent a sublimation. His entire lifetime of cultivation experienced a qualitative leap.
"The Innate Primordial Limitless Dao Principle [the supreme, innate Dao principle of boundlessness from the dawn of creation] can advance another step."
Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, instantly expelling ten strands of Innate Qi [the primordial vital energy present at birth]. As the ten strands of Innate Qi crisscrossed and intertwined, merging seamlessly with the Primordial Chaos Limitless Rule [a supreme cultivation art governing boundless chaos], his aura surged forth like the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation] itself, vast and unrestrained.
"BOOM—"
In that instant, within the vast expanse of the Abyssal Heaven [a celestial realm within Eldrin's inner universe], the immense Cosmos [the universe within his cultivation] began to expand, visibly growing more vast and magnificent.
When Eldrin Chen broke through to the Heaven Immortal [a high immortal realm], he opened two Fourteen-Layered Heavens [a specific, profound layer of celestial realms] within his Abyssal Universe [the universe born from his cultivation], each with a diameter of one hundred eighty million light-years.
Later, when Eldrin Chen cultivated to the Third Heaven Immortal Realm Perfection [the perfected stage of the Third Heaven Immortal realm], the Abyssal Heaven had already expanded to nearly three hundred million light-years across. The complete novel can be found at audio - novel . com.